GMA meets with freed Italian priest Bossi

MANILA (AFP) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met Friday with Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi who was freed unharmed after his kidnapping almost six weeks ago by Islamic militants.

Bossi, released late Thursday in the southern Philippines, said the president had congratulated him on his courage during his lengthy ordeal.

He said Arroyo explained that people had been working hard to secure his release since he was taken from his parish on June 10.

"She told me that many people had been working hard for my freedom," the 57-year-old missionary said.

Bossi also said Arroyo told him that 14 Philippine marines had been killed when they were searching for him on the southern island of Basilan off the southwest tip of Mindanao island, where he was released on Thursday.

The meeting between Bossi and Arroyo was held in a private room at Malacanang Palace in Manila.

Arroyo had earlier issued a statement saying: "We rejoice over the safe release of Father Bossi. We thank our soldiers, police and concerned civilians who valiantly worked for his freedom.